NEXUS

Executive Summary

The history of the "Goyo" series is, in essence, the history of its progenitor: Goyo Guardian. Released in 2008, it was a format-defining force with high ATK and a devastating monster-stealing effect. This dominance led to its banning and an eventual errata, changing its requirement to an EARTH Tuner.

This historical context frames the central challenge of the "Goyo" series. It is an archetype in name only, consisting entirely of Extra Deck monsters with no Main Deck support. A "Goyo" deck cannot function on its own; it is a specialized toolkit of battle-oriented monsters that must be grafted onto a separate "host" engine to be summoned.

The Goyo Armory

A granular analysis of each individual member of the series. Each monster serves a distinct, albeit highly specialized, role.

Goyo Guardian
Missing: 7391448

Goyo Guardian

Level 6 Synchro

The primary beatstick. Its 2800 ATK is formidable, and it steals any monster it destroys by battle. Its modern limitation is the required EARTH Tuner.

Goyo Predator
Missing: 98637386

Goyo Predator

Level 6 Synchro

A flexible alternative with generic materials. It steals monsters in Attack Position, allowing for follow-up attacks, but their damage is halved.

Goyo Chaser
Missing: 63364266

Goyo Chaser

Level 5 Synchro

A swarm component. It gains ATK for other EARTH Warrior Synchros and steals monsters with halved ATK. Best used alongside other Goyos.

Goyo Defender
Missing: 58901502

Goyo Defender

Level 3 Synchro

The single most important combo piece. It can Special Summon another 'Goyo Defender' from the Extra Deck, enabling the "Defender Swarm."

Goyo King
Missing: 84305651

Goyo King

Level 8 Synchro

The Synchro boss. Gains ATK when attacking and offers a powerful choice: steal the destroyed monster OR steal any other face-up monster.

Goyo Emperor
Missing: 59255742

Goyo Emperor

Level 10 Fusion

The ultimate boss. Has a Quick Effect to Tribute a Synchro and steal an opponent's Special Summoned monster(s). Summoned via the Defender Swarm.

The Ideal Endboard: The Emperor Play

This is the ideal endboard for a Goyo deck going first. It uses the "Defender Swarm" plus a Fusion card like Miracle Synchro Fusion.

Goyo Emperor

Goyo Emperor
Missing: 59255742
  • The Boss: A 3300 ATK Fusion monster.
  • The Interruption: Its Quick Effect can steal an opponent's Special Summoned monster(s).

Goyo Defender

Goyo Defender
Missing: 58901502
  • The Fodder: The third Defender from the swarm is kept on field.
  • The Fuel: It serves as the perfect Tribute for Goyo Emperor's interruption effect, making the cost "free."

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • High Raw ATK: Monsters like Guardian and King can run over many threats in battle.
  • Non-Targeting Removal: The stealing effects do not target, bypassing common forms of protection.
  • Snowball Potential: Can rapidly accumulate advantage by stealing multiple monsters.

Weaknesses

  • Battle-Phase Reliance: Any effect that stops the Battle Phase or prevents battle destruction shuts down the deck.
  • Fragile Combos: Highly vulnerable to hand traps on key starters or on the first Goyo Defender.
  • "Sends to GY" Clause: Ineffective against Pendulum monsters or monsters that banish themselves.

Host Engines & Tech

  • Junk / Synchron: The most natural partner. Rich with EARTH Tuners (like Junk Synchron) and Warriors.
  • Scrap Engine: Scrap Raptor (an EARTH Tuner) and Scrap Chimera provide access to Level 8 Synchros like Goyo King.
  • Miracle Synchro Fusion: The key non-engine card required to summon Goyo Emperor.

Live TCG Banlist Status

Banlist Impact

Fully Unrestricted

The Goyo archetype, with its EARTH Warrior Synchro strategy with opponent monster stealing, operates at full power with no restrictions on the current TCG banlist.

Maximum Consistency

Play any card at your preferred ratio without restrictions

Full Strength Plays

Access to all archetype synergies without limitations

Strategic Freedom

No banlist constraints holding back your strategy

Banlist Status Summary

analyzed • 0 restrictions found • All cards legal at 3 copies